Health and Wellness creates video on emotional health

Several years ago, Sheldon Kopperl, professor of biomedical sciences, recognized he was suffering from depression and sought treatment with the help of Grand Valley’s employee assistance program.

Kopperl shared part of his story in a video produced by Health and Wellness to promote emotional health and raise awareness of the services provided by Encompass. View the video at www.gvsu.edu/healthwellness and click on the “You’re Not Alone” button, or watch the video below.

Through Encompass, faculty and staff members can receive up to five free counseling sessions. Encompass has many offices throughout West Michigan. Counselors are also available online and by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Melita Travis Johnson, director of inclusion initiatives for Encompass, said professional counselors at Encompass are trained to help with nearly every work-life issue, particularly non-diagnosable issues not covered by most insurance carriers.

Sue Sloop, Work Life consultant, said on-campus support groups are another resource for faculty and staff members who are struggling with an issue. Groups meet regularly and are focused on parenting and Alzheimer’s support. Visit the website for details or call Sloop at x12215.

(caption) Sheldon Kopperl, professor of biomedical sciences, discusses his battle with depression in a video for Health and Wellness about emotional health.